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My Sandbox

The very idea of white on white built in cabinets is anathema to my creative soul.

No offense to the ladies with those wonderful white on white studios..

A Studio should reflect the SOUL of the DESIGNER, There is no right or wrong design.

I like small, intimate, homey spaces.

So, posters from The Cartoon Network, a Michael Jordan Jersey, a flag from the 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic games, pictures of the Atlanta Falcons, President Obama, and precious family photos, are my daily companions as I make my creative trek.

Because I worked with Architects and Interior Designers, I fully embrace the rule:

"Form Follows Function."

I also learned not to "Box" myself into a space whose function is subject to change over time. All those pretty white cabinets look gorgeous today, but could limit your ability to reclaim "Lost Space" two or three months later. Renovations are costly and aggravating. Before making any decisions, it is best to ask a few basic questions:

1. Do I need a large workspace, and if so, what is the best location in this room?

2. How much storage do I need now plus __% (this should be based on your buying habits)

3. Are there ways to expand my "use" of the space without expanding the space itself?

(example: Can I gain vertical space by adding slat walls?)

If you are strickly a card maker or scrapper, your requirements will be different than those of an altered arts or mixed media designer. If you believe that you want to dabble in different areas, allow for that when determining your storage plus --%.

These units provide more storage and I have access to more craft items. I actually gained usable space that was lost in the previous configuration. The large unit here has 15 (12" x 12") drawers. I can now store my favorite designer collections here. The five deep drawers hold Work in Process and large collections that I want to keep together. No more "hunting in the Paper Closet!" Well, almost no more hunting!

This area has undergone a total transformation. Cuttting tools no longer occupy valuable space. I gave my Cricut away, the eclipse sits on a side table. I removed the laptop and placed KindleTablets (on this side the cover is orange) on both work desks. This is a far more functional use of the space. I gained storage for Paint/ Copics and I added additional lighting.

I just recently began dabbling in mixed media, and I love it. This is a better use of the space and far more practical. I can still use this area for occasional cutting. but so far that has not been needed.

I keep my paint cloths and frequently used MM supplies in this carrier. I love these fabric storage bins which I purchased at Dollar Tree. Honestly, I consider it my best $50.00 purchase ever!

iMac/CAMEO STATION

Here, we simply swapped the printer and iMac and added a lamp. I store my wallpaper binders on the shelf under the computer table and hanging on the wall. I have storage on the floor under the desk for my Craft Magazines.

A plastic basin( from Dollar Tree) is secured between the legs of my drafting table and used to house 3D objects I plan to alter, my paper towels, hand sanitizer and other miscellany. It is not visible in this photo, but next to the waste paper basket is storage space under two 4' tables for binders housing my frequently used clear stamps and project books. I have room on the right side(of the my drafting table) to store two rotary cutters three binders, and extra scoreboards.

BIG SHOT/CUTTING/DESIGNER PAD STATION

I keep the large format printer for projects requiring 11"x17" paper. The reclaimed space is used to store 6"x6" Pads. I now have room for my Big Shot, Paper Cutters, a small desk pad. I gained wallspace (needed that metric conversion table in plain view!) I get tons done here.

Below the table is storage for general office supplies and more wallpaper books!A board placed across the well of the printer created a place for 8"x8" Pads and small stencils. In front of the printer is space for my exacto kit on top of which I keep (WIP) Mini album covers . Easy to remove these items when the printed is used, maybe 1-2 times per month for short proof runs.

RECLAIMED SPACE I was able to reclaim this space by relocating my Big Shot Pro

INCLUDES: Mixed Media supplies and stamp storage as well as:NEW PADDING STATION

BEFORE

SAME SPACE NOW

Wood Mounted Stamp Storage and Ecllpse Cutter's New HomeSEWING STATION - BEFORE

Other Dies are stored next to the BS Pro and on the shelf behind the Big Bite. On the slide out shelf is stored My FabScraps and Quilling Supplies.
The Fabric Bins hold all of my Embossing Folders. Beneath them are Big Shot supplies and Cigar boxes to be altered.

ADDITIONAL PAPER STORAGE - BEFORE

ADDITIONAL PAPER STORAGE NOW

The Orange Home Depot "Let's Do This" bucket is where I store all my paint rags.

The Closet has not changed, but has been sorta kinda decluttered.

FOR NEW CRAFTERS!

I would not advise beginners to go out and buy a lot of expensive furniture at IKEA or one of the craft stores. Look around your house, try to use what you have. Thrift stores are glorious places to find great deals. The Goodwill is a personal favorite! Be sure this is a hobby you want to pursue in earnest before making substantial financial investments. Look at online stores, stroll through Michaels or Jo Ann's and check out the prices. Papercrafting is not a CHEAP hobby. I made the decison early on to use my money on stamps, paper, dies and inks, rather than fancy furniture. It is not what you have, it is what you make of what you have! Be creative!

14 comments:

WOW that's a really well organised space!!!!! You have so many wonderful machines!!!! I'm going to be showing this to my hubby who thinks I have too many lol :D Thanks for sharing this. It's given me some inspiration for my space which is much smaller than yours however...

I really enjoyed visiting your work/craft room. I really like the idea of the chalk board to help with your project schedules. I think it makes it eaier when everything is at face level. You have a very productive looking haven!

Hey, you! I'm slowly (busy time of year!) getting around to the SOS DT members' blogs to get to know them, and what better way than to view your creative space! Very awesome... I also ix-nay the white-on-white ideas for my personal space (more power to the people who like that, but I'd go nuts... after I made a complete mess in 2 minutes flat), and I am the same in the respect that I made the decision to spend my fun-money on supplies rather than furniture! Really love your area, and appreciate it even more to know you've tailored it to you!

Thanks, Mimi!So nice to have you joining us on SOS and nice to know there is another "free thinker" out there! My room needs another revamp so I think I will put all my new found furniture upcycling energy to work. Maybe distress a few pieces! I hope to get a chance to spend more time cruising the blogs of our new members!Hugz,Chana

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DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Effective December 1, 2009, ftc guidelines require bloggers to disclose any time they are compensated for endorsing or reviewing products or services.

I have posted projects containing components i have received for free or received perks in return for posts on my blog. I would never make or endorse misleading statements regarding any product or service used in the operation of this blog.

if you have questions regarding any product or service used on my blog, please contact me at cmalkah@yahoo.com